It’s opening day at the Publisher Hotel in Old Town Fredericksburg and the staff is running around, finalizing the details in the lobby and adjoining restaurant to the latest tourist facility in this growing town.

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Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D) will visit the site of a recent train derailment in Fredericksburg on August 14, 2024. The visit will occur from 8 to 9 a.m. at the VRE parking lot, specifically at the gravel lot behind VRE parking lots G & H. The entrance to the lot is located at the corner of Prince Edward and Frederick Street. Spanberger will then travel to the Railway Yard Gate at 1400 Railroad Avenue. Members of the Fredericksburg City Council are expected to attend.

A CSX train derailed on July 19, 2024, near Cobblestone Drive. Several rail cars derailed, damaging a garage adjacent to the Cobblestone Square apartment complex. No hazardous materials were involved, and no injuries were reported.


The National Weather Service confirmed that a tornado touched down in Stafford County on Thursday, August 8, 2024. The tornado was part of the remnants of Tropical Storm Debby as it moved through the area.

The tornado, classified as an EF-1, struck the Glendie area of Poplar Road near Route 17. It traveled seven miles with winds reaching up to 90 mph. The tornado was on the ground from 7:49 to 8:01 p.m. No injuries were reported.


Stafford County Fire and Rescue and Fredericksburg Fire Department successfully rescued two kayakers from the Rappahannock River on Friday night, August 9, 2024. Despite strong currents and challenging conditions, both kayakers were safely brought to shore without injury. A Stafford County fire and rescue spokeswoman said the two were both adult women.

Press release:


Drivers on Kings Highway may wonder what happened to the long-standing sign for Fredericksburg Motor Sports.

On Aug. 9, a male driver in a pick-up truck attempted to turn right into the entrance between Sheetz and Burger King. Stafford County Sheriff’s office said the vehicle was traveling too fast, and struck the sign. The driver sustained minor injuries, and no other vehicles were involved. Both fire and police responded to the scene within minutes.


Manassas Park, the youngest city in Northern Virginia, is celebrating its 50th anniversary with events and activities beginning on July 1, 2024. The town, which declared independence from Prince William County in 1957 and itself a city in 1975, has planned various events throughout the year to mark this milestone.

City Council member Laura Hampton highlighted the city’s historical significance: “Manassas Park was primarily built for returning World War II veterans. The city has always been revolutionary, even when we were a town.”


Update — The tornado watch is canceled.

Original post — The remnants of Tropical Storm Debby are currently moving through the region, bringing significant impacts in the form of heavy rain, high winds, and multiple tornado warnings issued overnight. As of the morning of August 9, 2024, the tornado watch has been extended until 2 p.m. for several counties and independent cities across Virginia.


The National Weather Service has issued a Tornado Watch in effect from 6:19 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 9. The watch follows multiple reports of a tornado touching down in Caroline County yesterday evening.

The storm is predicted to bring significant rainfall to the area, with risks of flooding possible. The Rappahannock River last flooded downtown Fredericksburg on Jan. 10, 2024. It crested at 19.1 feet at 5:30pm, impacting Old Mill Park and encroaching trails along Fall Hill Avenue. Fredericksburg has already closed Old Mill Park in anticipation of Tropical Storm Debby.


Tracy Lynn Cruz, known for her role as Ashley Hammond, the Yellow Ranger, in the 1990s Power Rangers series, will appear at Nova Gateway Comics and Toys, 2340 Plank Road, in Fredericksburg. Fredericksburg on Saturday, August 10, 2024. Cruz, who is also a mother of four, including two children impacted by Autism, uses her platform to support families facing similar challenges.

“I love meeting people. At the cons, I do a lot of meet and greets, and there’s also a lot of networking opportunities,” said Cruz. “That’s how I got connected with Nova Gateway Comics—through networking at conventions.”


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